
As a devoted movie buff with a special fondness for horror, I must say that no genre showcases practical effects more brilliantly than this chilling domain. It’s here where visionary artists like Rick Baker and Tom Savini truly shine, using their craft to create monstrosities or death scenes so authentic and startling, they leave audiences gasping for breath.
However, it’s essential to note that not all movies relying heavily on practical effects are created equally in terms of visual brilliance. In the ’80s, these ten horror masterpieces stand out as the cream of the crop when it comes to visual creativity:
1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
2. The Thing (1982)
3. Poltergeist (1982)
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
5. The Fly (1986)
6. Critters (1986)
7. Near Dark (1987)
8. Hellraiser (1987)
9. Monster Squad (1987)
10. Innerspace (1987) – While not strictly a horror film, this sci-fi adventure deserves recognition for its groundbreaking practical effects.